BMW earnings decline on higher carmaking costs
Published on: Wednesday, May 08, 2024
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Bloomberg, FMT
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BMW outpaced its rivals in the EV market, with a 28% sales surge driven by high demand for models like the i4 sedan and iX1 SUV. (BMW pic)
The German manufacturer’s automaking margin in the period dropped to 8.8% — within its target range but slightly below analyst expectations. It still confirmed its full-year guidance.
The results indicate car markets may remain challenging this year amid persistent inflation, a protracted recovery in China and muted economic growth in much of Europe.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG in April reported a drop in earnings on model changeovers and soft demand for electric vehicles, with Volkswagen AG and Stellantis NV also flagging slow starts to the year.
In a positive development, BMW cited a significant increase in deliveries of high-end models such as the BMW 7-Series sedan in the first quarter.
The company also outperformed its peers Mercedes and Audi on fully electric vehicles, with sales rising 28% amid robust demand for battery-powered models such as the i4 sedan and the iX1 sport utility vehicle.
The main BMW brand’s sales climbed 10% in Europe and dropped 4.1% in the key Chinese market, driven by lower volumes in the premium segment.
Overall revenue in the period was roughly flat at €36.6 billion (US$39.3 billion). BMW’s group earnings before interest and taxes fell by a quarter.
